Discovering Ourselves

by rhrsmutlover

Sixth year. Finally, Ron and Hermione find their way to each other, and once that happens, they simply can't get enough of the other. A story of their relationship through school, the war, and beyond. An AU fic with lots and lots of smut and fluff.

31. Closure

And here is, at last, the next chapter.

Sorry for the delay but I really struggled with it. I knew what I wanted to write, yet the chapter kept having a mind of its own and it was getting out of hand. In the end, I managed and I'm quite happy with how it turned out, though it's another really, really long chapter!

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Chapter 28

Closure

"Hey, Mate," said Ron the moment he entered The Burrow the next afternoon and saw Harry and his sister sitting in the living room.

"Well, look who's back!" said Harry, getting up and smacking the back of his head. "Too busy to write your best friend?" he teased. "Just one letter in two weeks!"

"Well …" said Ron, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ronald Weasley, I'd like to know that as well!" he heard his mum yell, causing him to stiffen. "Do you think about your mother at all?" she asked, coming from the kitchen, a frown on her face. Then she looked behind him and a welcoming smile replaced the frown. "Hermione, dear, welcome! William, Jane! It's such a pleasure to finally have you at our home! Come in, come in! Do you want anything? Tea? Wine? Water?"

"It's okay, Molly, we're all right," said Hermione's mother, smiling. "Thank you for inviting us for dinner, by the way."

"It's nothing, it's nothing. We're so glad you're all right. It must have been a terrible year for you all, not knowing about Hermione," she said, cupping Hermione's cheek affectionately. Hermione smiled at her sheepishly.

"It wasn't easy, no, though I believe your year was much harder than ours," commented William.

At this, Ron's mum's expression became sadder. "Yes. But, fortunately, my family is complete. That's more than I dared to expect at certain times. But let's not talk about sad things. The war is over and tonight is about celebration. Come with me, please."

"We brought some Muggle wine. I hope you like it," commented Jane as both Grangers followed Ron's mum to the kitchen.

"Oh, Arthur'll love it, I'm sure. I'll call him, he must be in the shed …"

Ron turned to Harry and Ginny. Harry was embracing Hermione.

"I expected little to no letters from that git —" he pointed at Ron "— but it surprises me that you only wrote once, Hermione," teased Harry.

"Oh, shut up," said Hermione with a smile.

"So how was it?" asked Ginny eagerly. "Australia, I mean. I'm not interested in whatever you did with that prat."

"Hey!" protested Ron.

"Oh, it was fantastic!" exclaimed Hermione, beaming and ignoring Ron. "We had such a wonderful time, Australia is, as a whole, an incredibly country, but Wizarding Australia, in particular, is very Muggle-friendly. We have loads to learn from them!"

"So it was good," interjected Harry, a bit too quickly, and Ron recognised it as tactic to stop Hermione from going into one of her tirades, learnt after many years of knowing her.

"Yes — really good. And of course, we got you presents."

"Presents?" intervened Ginny, eager and excited. "What presents?"

"Oh, don't act like a spoiled brat, Gin."

His sister glared at him. "Hey, you got a two-week holiday with your girlfriend on the other side of the world while Harry and I were holed up here dealing with chores. The less we deserve is a wonderful, really expensive present."

Ron scoffed. "Expensive? You think I robbed a bank or something like that?"

"Well, you did rob a bank," she retorted.

"Yeah, to get a horcrux. Hermione would have cursed my hands off if I had tried to nick a knut. Even from the Lestranges' vault."

"Honestly, Ron …"

"But you're getting an Order of Merlin, First Class," argued Ginny, ignoring Hermione.

"I haven't received it yet, you know."

Harry rolled his eyes, looking at Hermione, who smiled and shook her head.

"Well, that's enough of sibling banter!" demanded Harry, raising his voice. "Speaking about the Order of Merlin, Kingsley talked to me last Monday. The ceremony will take place in two weeks. And next week they plan on passing the Emergency Recruiting Act, so we'll receive official invitations to join the Aurors. Have you thought about what you want to do?" he asked, his gaze shifting from one of his friends to the other.

"Well, I want to finish Hogwarts," said Hermione.

"I'll join," added Ron. At this, Harry beamed.

"Fantastic! I was afraid you might go back to school and I'd have to that alone!"

Ron snorted. "Really? You thought I would go back to school? Based on what? My undying love for studying and learning?" he asked sarcastically.

"No, but Hermione might have convinced you."

Hermione glared at him. "Honestly, Harry! For what kind of girlfriend do you take me for? I would never manipulate him, or try to."

"I said convinced, not manipulated, Hermione, and —"

"I know perfectly well what you meant, and how you think I might have convinced him," she spat, crossing her arms in front of her chest rather tightly.

Ron tried to suppress his smile, thoroughly enjoying seeing Harry dig himself deeper and deeper and wondering how he would get out. Normally it was him who dug the hole, so it was entertaining to see other person in such a predicament for a change.

Harry raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I didn't say anything."

Hermione harrumphed, but she didn't press the matter. And just then, the fireplace lit up and Fred and George came from it.

"Oh, the adventurer lovers are back!" said Fred, grinning from ear to ear. "How is shagging down under, Hermione? You are on top when you're on your back, or —"

"Fred Weasley!" shouted their irate mother from the doorway to the kitchen before Ron could call him a name that surely would have earned him a good scolding.

"Hi, Mum," Fred said, putting on his most angelic face. "It smells fantastic, like always."

"Don't take me for an idiot, Fred! Apologise to Hermione immediately for those crude words! I raised you better than this!" She turned round to face Hermione's parents. "Jane, William, I'm so sorry. These sons or mine — sometimes I don't know what to do with them!"

Hermione's parents, who were clearly trying not to laugh, simply dismissed their host's concerns. "Don't worry, Molly. It's okay."

Then, fortunately, Bill, Fleur, Percy and Charlie appeared as well, and the twins comment was forgotten amidst the greetings.

Dinner was pleasant and loudly, as it was normal at the Burrow. Ron and Hermione told stories of what they had seen, and, after dinner, opened one of the Sparklejuice bottles they had brought with them, which everyone enjoyed.

And as they watched their family enjoy the drink, Ron's hand sought Hermione's, grabbing it under the table. And they shared a smile. Yeah, they were going to miss their time in Australia, but it was wonderful to be here, with their combined family, at home.

— o —

"You look really handsome, Ron."

Ron almost jumped at the voice, and his face turned from the mirror he was looking at while he tried to comb his hair, to his girlfriend, who was watching him from the entrance to his room. However, what he had been going to tell her for scaring him was quickly forgotten when he took in her appearance.

She had put on new dress robes. This time they were black, though with a satiny look, and, though they were very formal and proper for a Ministry event, they were form-fitting, emphasizing her body. And thought the cleavage was really modest, it showed the tops of her breasts, making them look delicious and making him to want nothing but to bury his head between them. She had done her hair as well, putting it into a bun, with a few strands falling on both sides of her face. Her cheeks looked rosy and lively and she had even put some lipstick and mascara on. She was also wearing a delicate, though simple necklace made of gold.

"Shit, you look fantastic," he blurted out, still mesmerised. She blushed a bit, and gave him a radiant smile, pleased.

Ron dropped the comb and approached her. He put his hands on her slim waist, relishing the feel of her robes, and then leaned in for a kiss. She let him kiss her, but, before he could deepen it, she pulled away.

"I don't want my lipstick on you."

"I don't mind."

"Well, I do. Besides, for once I put it on, I'd like for it to stay."

"But I can take it off you later?" he asked, hopeful.

She couldn't help but laugh. "Maybe," she said, in a coy, promising way that almost made his trousers tighten.

"I'll hold you to that."

"I didn't promise anything," she replied, flirtatious.

"Tease."

"You like it."

"Maybe."

She let out another laugh before asking, "So — are you ready, then? Harry was already downstairs. He told me Ginny was still in her room."

"I'm ready. Unless you have some advice to make me even more irresistible for those hero-worshipping witches at the party …"

"You look smashing," she said, tugging a bit at his collar to adjust it. Then her eyes gleamed dangerously when she added, "And about those 'hero-worshipping witches,' they'd better seek their own hero. Because you, Ron Weasley, are mine. And no one messes with what's mine."

"Fuck," he said, his cock hardening completely. There was something so arousing in the primal way she had just claimed him as hers. "I'd like nothing more than to tear your clothes right now and have you against this wall, you made me so horny."

Instead of reprimanding him, she moved closer, so her body was pressed against his, and muttered against his lips. "And I'm the only one that makes you that horny, right Ron?"

Ron gulped, feeling rather hot. "Yeah. Only you."

"Good," she whispered, letting her right hand to slide down his chest and patting his bulge briefly.

"Hermione …" he whined. It was not fair that she turned him on so much when she knew they weren't going to sleep together tonight. But she just smiled and pecked his cheek before turning round.

"Let's go, Ron."

Ron sighed, shaking his head, and followed her. That girl was going to be the death of him …

He followed her downstairs, to the living room. Ginny was down there already, though, by the way Harry was staring at her, she had just finished getting ready. Ron approached Hermione's parents, who were talking to his own and greeted them.

"Ron, you look really handsome," commented Jane, smiling at him.

"Thank you," he said a bit sheepishly. "You look really beautiful, by the way."

"Ah, a what a charmer," she replied, letting out a little laugh.

"Are we all ready, then?" asked his dad.

Everyone nodded, so they approached the fireplace. Ron and Hermione allowed the others to go first, and then helped her parents to use the Floo Network.

"Don't worry, is less uncomfortable than the portkey we took from Australia," assured Ron, wanting them to feel safe. "Just say the destination clearly," he warned. It wouldn't do if his girlfriend's parents ended up in some shady shop at Knockturn Alley or so.

He watched as Hermione guided her father, and, when he disappeared in the flames, she followed suit.

"This is really, really safe, isn't it?" Jane asked, a bit afraid.

"Safer than taking the Muggle bus," assured Ron. "Just say 'Ministry of Magic' clearly."

Jane got into the fireplace and then, after taking a deep breath, threw a handful of Floo powder, said 'Ministry of Magic!' and disappeared. Ron did the same at once, and, to his relief, he stepped out of the fireplace just behind her.

"Everything all right?"

"Yes," she nodded, though she looked a bit green. "Though it was odder than the Portkey, seeing all those fireplaces pass by. A bit nauseating, to be honest."

"I know," agreed Ron as they joined the group. His father was talking to an Auror. It seemed that there was one next to every functioning fireplace, for security. All the other entrances to the Ministry had been closed for the night.

"Awesome," he heard Jane say in awe. He followed her gaze, and took in, for the first time, how the Atrium had been decorated for the occasion, with banners hanging, floating lights, vines full of flowers all along the walls, chairs and tables with crisp-white tablecloths, silverware and flower buckets and, next to the farthest wall, a stage.

"I prefer the Australian one," said Ron.

Jane nodded absentmindedly, still dazed. Hermione's father was the same, looking all around while Hermione explained something to him.

There was a lot of people already there, so it was hard to talk among the noise of a hundred conversations. And, every couple of seconds or so, a fireplace lit up and more people appeared.

After a bit, Percy, who obviously was already at the Ministry — Ron had no doubt he must have spent the day helping with the organization of all this madness — approached them to say hello and greet Hermione's parents. It didn't take long for Fred and George to appear as well, accompanied by Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell. They were in the middle of greetings when Fleur, Bill and Charlie joined them, and, barely a moment later, Neville, Luna, Dean, Seamus, Parvati and Lavender, whose scars, Ron notices, looked way better. Seamus introduced them to his father, who, like the Grangers, was Muggle and had never been at the Ministry. Then they moved towards the centre of the Atrium, which caused to reporters to take notice of them and start to take picture after picture of the group.

Three years ago, Ron would have been happy to be in the centre of such attention, but, right now, he was starting to feel trapped and antsy. He moved next to Hermione and grabbed her hand, wanting to hold to her lest he ran away.

"This is insane," he told her, irritation evident in his voice. "Who thought this — this party, or whatever is it, was a good idea?" Just then a photographer noticed them and quickly took a photograph, his flash blinding him for a second. "Be careful, you git!" he shouted, angry.

"Ron," Hermione said in a low tone.

"What? I'm going to end up blind, the way they're going at it. Why couldn't Kingsley give us the awards at home?"

Hermione smiled and squeezed his hand, trying to get him to calm down, though he could tell she was nervous and uncomfortable as well.

"People needs this, to put an end to it. To celebrate the end of the war, to get closure and be able to move on."

"You think that the people who lost others in the battle will like this? We're celebrating like good people like Lupin and Tonks, or Padma, aren't dead. Just look at Harry."

Hermione did as told, and the both of them looked at their friend. He was standing next to Ginny, who was talking to a Demelza Robbins, Luna and Neville, but he seemed far away, his body stiff and tense.

"I know," said Hermione, "but it's like a symbol, a way to say Voldemort is dead and we're about to start a new age."

"I suppose," he said, not convinced. And as to vindicate his opinions, Andromeda Tonks appeared, with little Teddy in her arms. She was regally dressed in black, and she looked serious, yet determined. In that moment, she really resembled Bellatrix. It was no surprise some people, who had noticed her presence, had moved away, frightened. However, her apparition had a positive effect on Harry, who quickly approached her and took Teddy into his arms, a big grin on his face.

"See that?" asked Hermione, a teasing smile on her face. "I think you might be an uncle soon, Ron …"

"Fuck, Hermione, don't say things like that!" he grunted, trying to banish the revolting images of his best mate and sister doing things to have babies out of his mind.

"Things like what?" asked Hermione's father, who had approached them from behind."

"Nothing," said Hermione quickly. "We should find our table …"

Ron agreed. At least the food would be good, or so he hoped. That thought made him think about who would be preparing dinner. House elves? Most surely. Would any house elf get recognition for having fought at the Battle of Hogwarts? He hoped they did.

The perk of being such a large family was that they were assigned one of the largest tables, so it was easy to find. Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny sat together, Harry still holding Teddy, who seemed completely at ease in his godfather's arms. The baby didn't seem to have any problem with the noise, and was looking around eagerly, his hair a brilliant pink. It should have made Ron happy, yet he couldn't help but feel sad, the pink reminding him of Tonks. Teddy was too young to know what he had lost, and that idea, instead of comforting, made him felt even worse.

Fuck, he'd better change the line of his thoughts or he would end up depressed.

Focus on the good, you prat. The war is over. You're about to get an Order of Merlin, First Class. You're with Hermione, who looks gorgeous. Act like a man and stop whining.

Taking his glass, he poured some wine to himself. He was about to ask Hermione if she wanted some when he heard Fred's voice saying "Hey, little sister, Wonder Boy there looks rather at ease with a baby — any plans to add to the family?" he asked as he and George took seats next to hers.

"What?" asked Ginny, frowning. "What are you talking about?"

Fred nodded at Harry. "Babies, Gin. You know, those little things that come nine months after you have sex …"

"Can you shut up?" demanded Ron though gritted teeth, as Harry had turned as red as a tomato.

"Oh, don't act like a prude, Ronnie, we all know what you and Hermione got to, alone on the other side of the world …"

"And on this side as well, during all those months in the run …" added George.

"And —"

"Enough!" shouted Ron, giving them a murderous look, and Hermione put a hand on his thigh to calm him down.

"Ronald Weasley, why are you yelling?" demanded his mother. "Can't you lot behave even for one night? You'd better don't embarrass us!"

Ron groaned, his eyes throwing daggers at Fred and George, who were smirking and trying hard not to laugh.

"Idiots," he grunted, and took the glass to his lips, taking a large gulp.

"By the way, gits, I had sex more than nine months ago and I haven't got a baby," blurted out Ginny when their mother moved away to their seats, making Ron choke. It was a miracle that he managed not to splutter wine all over the table.

Next to him, Hermione let out a chuckle, but Fred and George screwed their faces in disgust. Harry's face got even redder, if that was possible.

"Too much information, Ginny!"

"Your fault," replied Ginny, not fazed in the least.

"You're too cheeky for your own good, little sister," said George, still grimacing.

"Again, your fault," replied Ginny, and took a sip of her glass. Ron shook his head and drank another long gulp of his.

As he put the glass back on the table, he saw, from the corner of his eye, Kingsley getting onto the stage.

"Kingsley's gonna talk," he informed the others.

All across the Atrium people seemed to notice that as well and silence fell over the room.

"Wizards and witches of Magical Britain, and, for the first time, Muggles," he started, his deep, powerful voice resounding throughout the Atrium, "welcome to the Ministry of Magic, a Ministry that, once more, is open to all magical beings, not just Purebloods. It's been a month a half since the Battle of Hogwarts, a day forever marked in the history books. But for most of us here, that day was much more than a historical moment. It was a day in which we fought against tyranny and evil; a day in which many brave people put their lives in danger to stand up for what is right.

"It was also a day in which many of us lost loved ones: relatives, friends, acquaintances," he added in a more sombre tone.

Ron took another sip of his drink. Next to him, Hermione did the same. Harry had moved his gaze to his godson and was looking at him with sadness.

"But we won. It cost us much, but we won, and the evillest and most dangerous wizard to have ever lived was defeated, and his reign of terror came to an end. We could breathe freedom once more, and for many of us, it meant they could, after so long, reunite with their families. So today, we'll mourn the heroes who gave their lives, and those who were unjustly murdered, but we'll also celebrate the end of the darkness and the start of a new era. During the past years, many mistakes were made that allowed, or at least facilitated, Voldemort's ascension to power. Today we honour our dead and celebrate our victory; tomorrow, we start working so something like this can't ever happen again!"

The entire Atrium broke into a sudden, loud applause that lasted for a couple of minutes. Fred and George added a few whistles to it, earning a disapproving glare from their mother.

When the clapping stopped, Kingsley made a slight bow in recognition and then continued, "I won't bore you more, it's time to share this fantastic dinner with our friends and families, all together: Purebloods, half-bloods, Muggleborns, Muggles. Let's celebrate and let's remember those who no longer are with us, but surely would see us happy and living our lives to the fullest. As you know, one of those is Albus Dumbledore, who for many years fought Voldemort, and, like he would say — tuck in!"

Another, loud applause erupted as Kingsley stepped down, and then dishes loaded with delicious food appeared on the tables.

"Well, you heard — tuck in!" said Ron's dad, beaming.

The food was delicious, worth of the beginning-of-the-year feast at Hogwarts, and Ron ate with gusto.

"This is all delicious," commented William, who looked delighted. "It's amazing that a feast like this can appear out of thin air!"

"It can't," said Ron. "It was sent here magically, but it was cooked."

"Probably work of house elves," added Hermione a bit grumpily. "They fought with us, but while we're here eating, they're in some kitchen working like slaves."

"Hermione, maybe this is not the right moment …" started to say her mother.

"No, she's right," said Ron, dropping his fork. "They should be here with us. And the centaurs as well," he stated, which earned him an amazing smile and a squeeze on his thigh by Hermione.

"I agree," added Harry.

"So do I, and so does the Minister," intervened Percy, smiling at them. "Why don't you look there?"

He pointed towards the other side of the fountain, where there were three empty tables, the only ones larger than the Weasleys'. They looked at Percy, confused.

"What?" asked Ron.

"Don't be impatient, Ron."

They had to wait another couple of minutes, and then, suddenly, dozens of elves appeared around the tables. Everyone turned their heads to look at them, many with confused expressions on their faces. The elves seemed rather nervous, and just stood, unsure of what to do, until Kingsley, beaming, got up from his seat.

"Not only wizards and witches fought at the last battle. Many other creatures did, like the house elves from Hogwarts. They fought despite the way they've been treated for years. Some of them died. So it's only fair that they should share this dinner with us. They insisted on preparing it first, though, so I think they deserve a really loud applause for the fantastic job they did," he declared, and then started clapping. Hermione followed immediately, then Harry, Ron, and, slowly, all the assistants. Ron, however, didn't fail to notice that not everyone seemed to agree with their presence at the dinner.

"Please, sit down and enjoy the feast," Kingsley told them when the clapping stopped. The elves doubted for a bit, but then they started to occupy their seats.

"Maybe things are really changing," said Hermione, her eyes bright with emotion and happiness. Ron grabbed her hand and squeezed it, smiling.

"Yeah. And one day you'll make sure they keep changing. For good."

The look she gave him told him she really wanted to kiss him, but she refrained, maybe thinking it was not appropriate. Instead, she took another gulp of wine.

After the arrival of the elves and Kingsley's speech, Ron realised he felt a bit better about this whole thing. His entire family was here, and so were his friends and girlfriend. There was good food and good drink and so, as time passed, the air turned more joyful. Conversations became lighter and full of jokes and laughter, with Fred and George becoming especially loud, which earned frequent glares from their mother.

But soon it was over, and, while Ron was still savouring his third slice of the delicious chocolate cake, Kingsley got onto the stage once more and the entire Atrium fell silent.

"Well, I hope you enjoyed this fantastic dinner," he started with a smile. "I surely did, so, again, congratulations to the house elves who made it."

At this point, Hermione began to clap her hands loudly, which was soon echoed by the rest of the attendants, this time even more feverously, perhaps due to having a full belly and a few cups.

"The victory we're celebrating is the success of many people," Kingsley continued when the applause died down, his tone more solemn. "Many of you are here, who fought at the Battle of Hogwarts; others used your positions in the Ministry to help save lives that would have been lost otherwise. It would be impossible to congratulate, or thank, all those who took some part in Voldemort's downfall. However, bravery and goodness must be recognised, and awarded. Tonight, it is my pleasure to concede the Order of Merlin, Second Class, to a great number of people that put the lives of others before theirs, and, with it, the corresponding money prize: 7,500 galleons. I know that a prize can't repay the efforts you made and the penuries you suffered, but it's yours."

He made a pause and a couple of officials joined him at the stage, levitating a trunk.

"I'll call for each of you, and I'd love if you joined me to receive the medal and check. I'd like to start with the professors of Hogwarts, who …"

So, one by one, all Hogwarts professors were called. However, no one of them wanted to accept the check. Kingsley insisted, though, telling them they were free to donate it to the school or anything else they wanted. An idea, Ron noticed, that didn't make Slughorn very happy.

They clapped at every award, especially Hagrid's and McGonagall's. After the professors, it was the turn of the members of Dumbledore's Army, and then all of the students that, without having been members, had fought at the battle. Ron, Harry and Hermione cheered with every name, but they were especially loud when Ginny, Neville and Luna were called.

Then it was the turn of the members of the Order of the Phoenix. Each and every one of the Weasleys received their award as well, and Ron couldn't be happier. Not that they were in need of money, not like years ago, but this would mean so much for his family. When it was Kingsley's turn, it was Ron's dad, as Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the one to put the medal around his neck.

"How many awards have they given?" asked Ron, amazed, as Kingsley was now calling some ministry officials and other people. "Fifty? Sixty?"

"Around that number, yeah," answered Harry.

"That's loads of money. Where did they take it from?"

"There was more than enough in the Gringotts vaults that were seized by the Ministry," explained Percy. "And that was with just those from the dead Death Eaters."

"Why only those of the dead ones?" asked Ron, furrowing his brows.

"It's not legal to seize the ones of those alive. We can fine them, but not seize their possessions."

"That should be changed," groaned Ron. "I mean, Rodolphus Lestrange is going to spend his life in Azkaban. And their vault was full of money that will sit there until he dies?"

"I know," said Percy. "But the law is the law."

"That law should change."

At this point, Kingsley put down the parchment with the list and looked again at the crowd. "Now, I'd like to ask for a minute of silence, for all those brave souls that perished fighting evil, many of them students. A memorial will be built at Hogwarts, and the name of everyone who found their death there will be engraved on it, so no one, ever, forgets what happened, or how much peace and justice cost, in the hope that the memory of so many lives lost, of so many families torn, will help future generations to prevent a war like this to happen ever again."

The Atrium fell into an ominous silence, and Ron couldn't help but think about Remus, and Tonks, Colin Creevey, Sirius, and many, many other terrible deaths. Almost unconsciously, his hand reached for Hermione's, glad that he had her with him.

When the minute passed, Kingsley spoke again, "Yes, this victory is the result of the joint effort of many people, of all of us. But we wouldn't be here, and our efforts would have been fruitless if it weren't for a very few, extraordinary individuals," he said, and Ron felt himself getting nervous again.

"First of all, I'd like to mention Albus Dumbledore, who undoubtedly was the visible head in the war against Voldemort for many years. Without him, surely we wouldn't be celebrating. So I'd like you all to raise your glasses to one of the greatest headmasters Hogwarts has ever had — To Albus Dumbledore!"

"To Albus Dumbledore!" everyone repeated, raising their glasses, and then they drank.

"And, if Dumbledore was quintessential to the victory, we certainly wouldn't be here if three incredible people hadn't, against all odds, succeeded in the almost insurmountable mission he gave them. I'd like to ask Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley to come to the stage, please, and the rest of you to receive them with the applause they deserve!"

Harry, Ron and Hermione got up, the three looking rather uncomfortable. As they walked towards the stage, feeling horribly self-conscious, the Atrium broke into the loudest applause of all. They placed themselves in a line next to Kingsley while the attendants kept clapping. This was much more than Ron could have dreamed about, something that made the images the Mirror of Erised had shown to his eleven-year-old self pale in comparison, and, though he felt a bit proud of having all these people — especially his family — clapping and cheering at him, he would rather be with Hermione and Harry at the Burrow, enjoying a lazy night.

"I wish there were words to explain what these three amazing friends managed to do, the danger they lived in, the quest they managed to complete, but there aren't. I can't express how honoured I feel to count them as friends, how glad I am to have met them, to be a witness to how extraordinary they are.

"But they're extraordinary not because they possess amazing magical prowess, or hitherto unknown talents, but, mainly, because of the incredibly human beings they are. Harry was marked by Voldemort when he was just a baby, yet he grew to be kind and compassionate, always worrying about doing the right thing; and he was fortunate to meet Ron and Hermione, who had been with him through thick and thin since they were just eleven-years-old. It's their unique friendship, their hearts and souls, which allowed them to conquer the worst evil of them all. And so, for their bravery, for their sacrifices, and for giving us the hope to keep fighting that led to the final victory, they are awarded the Order or Merlin, First Class!"

The entire Atrium broke into a new, louder applause as Kingsley grabbed a golden medal and put it around Harry's neck. Harry gave Kingsley a forced, nervous smile that told Ron he'd rather be a thousand miles away. They shook hands, and then it was Ron's turn. He tried to remain still, afraid he would move and trip over his own feet or something embarrassing like that. When it was over and Kingsley moved to Hermione, he was a bit puzzled at how much the medal weighed. Or was it he didn't feel deserving of it just for doing what had to be done? Maybe for Harry and Hermione this didn't mean as much, but for him, who had heard about the Order or Merlin, First Class as an award given only to the extraordinary among the extraordinary. And now, him, Ronald Weasley, sixth son out of seven, had one around his neck …

Hermione accepted her own medal with a nervous smile as well, and then one of the officials assisting Kingsley passed him the checks.

"Well," he said, when the thunderous applause died down. "As you know, the Order of Merlin, First Class, implies a monetary prize of 50,000 galleons, so use it well!" he exclaimed. Harry now looked visibly uncomfortable, and only very reluctantly grabbed the check. Ron, however, was in awe. 50,000 galleons! That would greatly help him to start a life with Hermione as soon as she finished school …

Finally, with one last applause, they could leave the stage. Many people wanted to congratulate and shake their hands, and photographers kept blinding them with flashes, so Ron almost felt nauseated. Hermione and Harry seemed to share his discomfort, and the moment they managed to reach their table she poured herself a glass of Firewhiskey and drank it in almost one gulp.

"Hermione!" exclaimed her mother, shocked.

"Bloody hell, Hermione …" said Ron, equally astonished.

"I needed it," she said, blushing a little.

"So — what are you going to do with such a check?" asked Hermione's father. "50,000 galleons … that's around 250,000 pounds, right?"

"Yes," nodded Hermione.

"I don't want it at all," declared Harry, dropping the check onto the table as if it were something infectious. "I can't accept money for fighting Voldemort. It's wrong and I don't want it."

Harry's statement felt like a cold shower to Ron. Hearing his best friend say this, he felt guilty for wanting to keep the money. But, of course, Harry had loads of it …"

"Donate it," suggested Andromeda. "I'm sure St Mungo, or Hogwarts, could do with help."

"Yeah. I'll do that."

"I don't want it either," said Hermione, putting down the now empty glass. "Harry's right, it feels wrong to win money for — for this."

Ron looked at the check and then at Hermione, unsure.

"Can we talk for a moment?" he asked her in a low voice.

She looked at him and then nodded slowly. Ron led them towards the main entrance, away from the party. He saw Hermione shake her head a few times as she followed him.

"You shouldn't have drunk that glass in a gulp, you never drink alcohol."

"I know, but I needed it. I'm fine. What do you want to talk about, Ron?"

"It's about the money," he started, and looked down, feeling a bit sheepish. "I know why you don't want to keep it but — I've never really had money of my own, Hermione. And with this —" His voice faltered a bit, and he felt his ears get warm. "With this …" he continued, "well, we could start a life together after you finish Hogwarts, if that's still what you want."

Hermione didn't say anything for a bit, so Ron looked up at her face, unsure. She seemed to be thinking about it.

"Of course I want a life with you, Ron. But it's a lot of money. And there are other people who need it more. People who lost their parents, or — well, you know what I mean."

He nodded. "What about this? As I'm going to join the Aurors, I'll make some money while you're at Hogwarts. And I'm sure you'll get a good job as soon as you get your NEWTs, so, what if we keep a part of it? Between us, we got a hundred thousand galleons. We could keep, let's say, thirty thousand for us? We don't need to buy a house right away, but we could keep that and save more for when we find the place we like to live, and we could donate the rest."

Hermione gave his plan a thought, and then nodded, smiling. "I like that, Ron. We could still help lots of people with those 70,000 galleons. And we could keep a fraction of those 30,000 galleons for emergencies, and use the rest for a house. What about 5,000 for emergencies and 25,000 for our future house?"

"Sounds good."

"It's a plan, then?"

"It's plan," agreed Ron, and then couldn't help it and kissed her, tasting the Firewhiskey on her lips. Of course they had talked about the future, but now they were saving money, not just his money and her money, but their money, for a house.

A house for their future family …

Fuck, it felt like such a grown up thing to do.

"I love you so much," he blurted out.

"I love you too, Ron."

They shared a brief kiss and then, smiling at one another, they went back to their table. Kingsley was informing everyone that the trials for the captured Death Eaters, Snatchers and Ministry officials responsible of crimes during Voldemort's regime would start next week. And then declared this was a party, and invited the Weird Sisters to the stage, telling everyone to enjoy the evening.

Ron clapped along everyone else and then poured himself a glass of Firewhiskey. Harry imitated him and they clinked their glasses.

"I hope Umbridge is among those on trial," commented Ron.

"I'll drink to that," said Harry.

"She'll be," Ron's dad told them. "She's accused of crimes against Muggleborns."

"Cheers!" exclaimed Ron, and both drank.

Several members of the DA approached them. Dean and Seamus both carrying glasses of Firewhiskey. Seamus looked rather tipsy already, with an idiotic grin on his face and eyes a bit too bright.

"Hey, this reunion of heroes calls for a toast, don't you think?" he said, a bit too loudly. "Come on, this is a party!"

"Seamus, don't you think you've drunk more than enough?" commented Lavender, though she seemed rather amused by his behaviour. Ron couldn't help but notice that her scars had improved a lot, and she looked rather gorgeous in her dress robes. Parvati, next to her, looked better as well, though she still had that sad look on her that made her look older than her eighteen years.

"Nah, this is a party," he said, his eyes flickering unashamedly to Lavender's cleavage. "Come on!"

"I'd like a glass," intervened Parvati. "To be honest, I'd like nothing more than to get drunk."

"That settles it, then," said Hermione, to everyone's surprise. She took the bottle and poured everyone a glass.

"To the fallen comrades!" Seamus yelled, raising his glass and spilling a bit over his hand.

They all raised their glasses, clinked them, and then drank.

"I need to pop into the loo," said then Lavender. "Anyone wants to come?"

"I'll go with you," blurted out Seamus, giving her a saucy grin.

Lavender looked at him with a raised eyebrow, but then shook her head. "I don't think so, Mister."

"You sure? I could help you lower your knickers …"

"Oh, for heaven's sake!" exclaimed Hermione. "I'll go with you," she said. Parvati, Ginny and Hannah Abbott left with them.

"Fuck, all the pretty girls gone!" whined Seamus.

"I'm still here," piped in Luna, taking a sip of her drink.

"Oh, yeah!" nodded Seamus, fixing his eyes on her. "Wanna snog for a bit?"

"Seamus," said Dean in a warning tone. But Luna didn't seem offended or shocked at all. She seemed to consider it, as if he had asked her about what kind of food was her favourite, and then shook her head.

"No, I'm fine. But I think you'd rather snog Lavender, anyway."

"Yeah. I'd love to put me hands on those tits," he declared dreamily. Then his eyes focused and he looked at Ron. "How do they feel like?"

"What?"

"You touched them, right? Fuck, Weasley, you're such a lucky sod. First Lavender, now Granger, who grew up rather nicely. She's got a fantastic pair as well …"

"Hey, don't talk about Hermione like that!" yelled Harry before Ron could say anything.

"Yeah," he agreed, glaring at him. "And don't talk about Lavender that way, either. She's more than a pair of t — breasts, you know."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he said, his tone suddenly dark as he stared off into space, his eyes unfocused. "She's awesome. Saved my ass during the battle, that one. It's just — fuck, don't you think this is a bit fucked up? I mean, here we are, drinking, with pretty medals 'round our necks and our pockets full or galleons, while Colin, and Padma, and Michael Corner and — I think I need another drink."

Before Dean could stop him, he reached for the bottle and filled his glass once more.

Ron, Harry and Neville shared a look. The air had suddenly turned from festive to depressing, and he, in a way, understood Seamus. He'd love nothing more than to get lost in Hermione's body right now.

Seamus took a long gulp and then looked at them, the goofy grin back on his face. "Okay, mates, let's have some fun. No time for depressing thoughts. I mean, this is a great night, isn't it? Me dad's here at the Ministry for the first time, and fucking Voldy's gone for good. Let's dance!" he shouted, and then he grabbed Luna and dragged her a bit away, moving with her in a rather stupid way. Luna seemed to like it, though, because she laughed and began to move as well, in a completely different style, so they looked as if they were dancing to two different songs.

"Seamus dancing with Luna …" commented Neville, shaking his head.

"Yeah," nodded Ron.

"Speaking of witches," interjected Ernie. "Neville, it seems that you and Hannah have been seeing each other quite a bit."

At this, Neville blushed fiercely. "Er, yeah. Well, you know we became good friends this year …"

Ron shared an amused look with Harry. Neville with a girlfriend?

"So you're nothing more than friends, then?"

"Yes, just friends," Neville responded, though it was obvious there was something more. And Ron felt really happy for him. If he was asked to offer an example of what seven years at Hogwarts could do to change a person, he'd undoubtedly pick Neville.

Ernie was going to say something else, but then Fred and George appeared, with Lee Jordan, Angelina, Katie and Alicia, the six of them looking a bit too happy as well.

"You lot are casting a gloomy shadow over the party, guys!" yelled Fred. "Didn't you hear the Minister? You — must — enjoy — the — night."

"Exactly!" added Lee Jordan with a wide, stupid grin. "We were thinking about going to the Department of Mysteries to play a Quidditch match! Wouldn't that be fun?"

"Are you crazy?" asked Ron, horrified. "You have no idea what kind of mental stuff is in there!" Seeing how drunk they were, Ron could see them flying through the archway just for fun.

"Besides, I doubt anyone is allowed to go down to Level Nine," interjected Harry.

"Yeah, and, in case you don't remember, Dad is in charge of security. If you do something that embarrasses him, Mum will kill you."

"You two are no fun," protested George. "Ronniekins, since you've started dating Hermione she's turning you into a perfect prefect! You're on the verge of becoming Percy Junior."

"No, I'm not!" Ron protested. "But I don't need to be Hermione to know what you're saying is one of your most stupid ideas, and that's saying something."

"Bah, you are starting to depress me," said Fred, looking bored. "George, let's go and launch a bunch of our Wildfire Wiz-bangs. Mr Granger is dying to see them."

They left, joking and laughing, and Ron shook his head.

"Honestly, those two …" he muttered, and Dean let out a laugh.

"You know, Ron, that sounded exactly like Hermione!" quipped Neville.

Harry, Neville, Ernie and Justin let out a laugh, and Ron felt his ears turn pink.

They kept chatting while they watched the party around them unfold.

"Where the fuck are the girls?" asked Ron about twenty minutes later. "Do you think they're okay?"

"Why shouldn't they be?" asked Harry.

"Well, Hermione's drunk quite a lot …"

"I'm sure they're fine, Ron."

They wandered around for a bit, talking to several people or just watching them have fun. It seemed that, as the night progressed and drinks were consumed, the level of cheeriness in the Atrium had raised quite considerably. He could see Seamus still dancing, now in a group that included Luna, Terry Boot, Cho Chang and Luna. Hermione's parents and his had switched partners, so William was dancing with his mum and Jane with his dad, the four of them beaming and having a great time. This made him grin. If anyone deserved happiness, those were his parents, who had worked so much and so hard to raise the seven of them. After years of constant worry, they deserved to just have fun.

It was then that Harry touched his shoulder and pointed to a group of people, who turned to be the girls. Ron furrowed his brows, noticing that they looked much more cheerful than when they had left. They all were carrying glasses with Firewhiskey, and Hermione's was fuller than before, so she had already refilled it once, at least.

It was not that he thought it was wrong for her to drink, that'd be quite hypocritical. But she wasn't accustomed to drink that much. In fact, he could recall a few rants of her part against drinking.

"Ron!" she yelled when she caught sight of him, her eyes bright. She wasn't drunk, but she certainly was rather tipsy.

"Where have you been?" he asked her. "I was starting to worry."

Ginny snorted. "Stop being an overprotective git, Ron, we can take care of ourselves, you know!"

"I know!" he replied before focusing again on Hermione. "I just — well, you drank quite a bit, especially for someone who usually criticises drinking."

She blushed a bit, but grinned at him, shrugging. "I know. But this night has been quite intense, you know … And well, Parv needed some cheering up."

Ron glanced at Parvati, who clearly looked much better, one arm around Lavender as the two giggled.

"You called her Parv?" asked Harry, amused.

"Mmmh, yes, I suppose I have," she admitted, and then grinned brightly once more. "Ron, let's dance," she asked with a slight pout that was quite odd on her face.

"You sure?" he asked. "Don't you prefer to sit down for —?"

"Oh, come on, Ron, dance with her!" yelled Lavender. "You're here with a gorgeous girl, give her a good time!"

Ron looked at Lavender in shock. Of course, a lot of time had passed since their break-up, and much more important things had happened, but it still was rather odd to hear her ordering him to dance with Hermione.

"Yes, give me a good time," Hermione added, nodding, and Ron couldn't help but feel that she meant more than dancing, which made him feel suddenly hot. "Come on, Ron, I'm fine. Dance with me, let's have fun."

"Okay," he acquiesced, smiling at her. She beamed and he pulled on her hand until they were among the dancing couples. Then he grabbed her and they began to move, to the rhythm of the slow song the band was playing right now. She put her arms around his neck and gazed up at him adoringly.

"I'm so glad to be here with you …"

"You sure you're just tipsy?" he asked, amused.

"Yes, though I must say I feel quite — disinhibited," she confessed. "I want to forget about photographers and sad things and just focus on the good ones."

"Okay."

They moved a bit, circling the same spot, content to be in each other's arms.

"Is that Seamus dancing with Luna?" she asked after a bit.

Ron turned his head and let out a laugh.

"Yeah."

Hermione shook her head. "Unbelievable."

"I know. By the way, he thinks you've got a great pair of tits …."

Hermione coughed, and then looked at him, her eyes big as saucers. "He told you that!?"

"Yes, after asking me how Lavender's feel."

Hermione stared at him, and then, unexpectedly, began to laugh. Ron looked at her, an eyebrow raised.

"I know, I know, usually I'd hex his bits off for such a comment, but well, today its quite funny …"

"Funny?"

"Well, it's true, isn't it? Don't you think I've got a great pair of tits, Ron?" she asked, her voice getting a bit husky.

"You know very well I do," he declared vehemently, glancing down at her chest. "But you must be drunker than I had thought, or you'd get angry at him."

"Well, alcohol might have something to do with it, but I think it's this strange night, Ron … or you would have already punched his face."

Ron thought about the strange mood Seamus had got into after his crude comments. "Yeah, you're right. This is a strange night."

"It is. Now sweep me off my feet with your dance moves, boyfriend of mine," she added with a radiant smile.

Ron couldn't help but laugh, as he wasn't one to sweep anyone off their feet, and less of all with his 'dance moves', but he tried anyway, making them glide across the floor. Then the Weird Sisters started a song with a quicker, livelier rhythm, and he twirled her as they danced. He had to be careful not to run into other couples, as he couldn't take his eyes of Hermione, who was looking at him with such adoration he felt he could burst with pride. And well, though she wasn't drunk, certainly she was acting — freer, and much more affectionate than she usually would at a public event like this, because every time he pressed their bodies back together she would kiss his jaw, or give him a peck on his lips.

"I like how — amorous drinking makes you," he said with a grin when, after a couple of twirls she gave him a long kiss the moment she was back into his arms.

"Well, I love you, Ron …"

"I love you too, my Hermione …"

"Mmmh, I like being your Hermione," she said, almost purring, while her fingers played with the skin on his nape in a way that was causing his hairs to stand on end and threatening to drive him mad.

The song finished, and the lead singer, Myron Wagtail, came forwards.

"Well, it seems you're in the mood for wild dancing, aren't you?"

A loud roar coming from the dancers confirmed that.

"So, as this is a celebration of how, united, you defeated the Death Eaters, let's dance united as well! I want you to jump, jump, jump and move from one partner to the next, without stopping! Ready?"

"YESSS!" was the unanimous response.

The band started playing a really fast-paced song, and, all around Ron, people began to jump.

"Jump! Jump! Jump and MOVE!" Wagtail yelled.

The crowd seemed to go a bit crazy, and Hermione went with them. She began to jump, grabbing Ron's hands to encourage him to do as well. And soon he was looping his arm with that of an unknown witch, and then another, and then with Hermione's mother, and then with Luna, Seamus, more unknown wizards and witches, Lavender, Parvati, Ginny, Fred and George (who almost sent him flying towards the stage).

By the time the song ended and he found his way back to Hermione, he felt dizzy and disoriented, and Hermione's hair looked way wilder than before.

"Ron, that was so fun, but I missed you!" she said, beaming at him before claiming his mouth in a fierce kiss.

"Fuck, Hermione …" he said the moment she pulled away.

"Yeah …" she agreed, looking a bit dazed, her eyes fixed on him.

"Can we sit for a moment? I need some water or pumpkin juice or something …"

Instead of answering, she kept staring at him, as if pondering something, and then, out of the blue, she turned round and walked away, pulling on his hand.

"Hermione …?"

"Come with me, Ron."

Puzzled, he followed her through the crowd, and then towards the Ministry canteen, which was completely empty. The house elves had used the kitchen to prepare dinner, but right now there was no one in there. Hermione guided them in the near darkness, across the empty tables and seats.

"Where are we going?"

Instead of answering, she looked around, and then moved them towards a door next to the entrance of the kitchen. She opened it with her hand and pulled him inside before lighting up her wand. Ron looked around and saw they were in some sort of storeroom. There were shelves containing all kinds of things, and even a couple of tables to one side.

"Hermione, what are —?" he stared to say, but he was interrupted by her mouth claiming his in a bruising kiss.

"Mmmphhh!"

She kept kissing him, her tongue delving into his mouth until she pulled away, breathless.

"Merlin, Ron, I was getting mad with the need to have you for myself. You look so incredibly handsome, and I'm so turned on …"

"Turned on?" he repeated, shocked (and more than a bit excited).

"Yes, Ron. It's been two whole days since last time I had you …"

"I know, but —"

Hermione cut him again with another kiss, and he stopped thinking. His hands went to her ass and he squeezed hard, relishing the feel of her perfect cheeks on his palms. She moaned into his mouth and kissed him harder, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. He sucked on it, she whimpered in pleasure, pressing her body closer to him.

After a couple of minutes of intense snogging, she broke the kiss and, using her wand, sealed the door and silenced it, a fiery look on her eyes. Then, leaving her wand lit on the closes shelf, so they had some light, she started unbuttoning her robes.

"Hermione?" he asked again. He swallowed audibly when she revealed the black lace bra she was wearing underneath and the creamy skin of her cleavage and stomach …

Finally, she shed her robes, letting them fall onto a pool around her feet, and was standing in front of her in just that bra and a matching thong.

Holy — buggering — fuck!

"Come here, Ron …" she said in a sultry voice, leaning against the wall behind her, one hand caressing her own belly just above the lace waistband of those panties while she slid her right foot over her left ankle.

Ron felt his body succumbing to the desire this amazing witch awakened in him, yet he still had self-control enough to question her behaviour.

"Hermione, are — are you sure about this? I mean, you drank quite a lot, and we're at the fucking Ministry of Magic …"

"Ron, I'm sure. And I know I drank more than usual, but I promise you I know what I'm doing. Surely I might not have the nerve to do this if I hadn't drunk what I did, but I'd still want to do it. I'm so horny right now, Ron …" she added, in such a sultry, seductive voice that his cock almost jumped out of his trousers. "Will you satisfy me?" she asked.

Ron doubted for a moment, but, when her index finger crept under the fabric of her thong, it was too much and he snapped. He was upon her in one long step and then he was kissing her with all his might while his hands moved all over that amazing exposed skin, passing over her tits until they settled on her naked buttocks, his fingers grazing the thin strip of lace that ran into her crack.

Hermione moaned into his mouth, and put one arm on his shoulder while the other hand slid between them until she was cupping and massaging his aching cock.

"Ohh, fuck, Hermione …"

She kissed him harder for a bit, but then stopped suddenly and, putting both hands on his shoulders, pushed down with force.

"Love, what —?"

"On your knees, Ron!" she demanded, her voice laced with lust. Her eyes were smouldering as well, and he couldn't help but comply, so his face was just in front on that tiny triangle of fabric. "Now eat me, Ron. Make me come with your mouth!"

Forcefully, she yanked him by his hand and pushed his face against her crotch, lifting one leg to rest it on his shoulder.

Ron's senses were suddenly assaulted by the softness of her skin and the amazing, intoxicating aroma of her pussy.

Her thong was dripping with her arousal.

"Holy fuck …!"

"Ron, what are you doing! Come on, get to it!" she ordered, bucking her hips wantonly.

And Ron surrendered completely. Disconnecting his brain, he groaned into her pussy and then used his right hand to push the panties to the side, so his face was pressed against her trimmed curls. The last time they had fucked, two days ago, it had been a quick affair on her house, and they hadn't indulged in oral sex, so he had missed the taste of her delicious, juicy cunt.

He began to eat her the way she liked, hungrily and desperately, and she moaned loudly when his tongue began to move along her slit, parting her folds and swallowing her abundant juices. Her grip on his hair tightened and she began to fuck her face, craving more. So Ron looped his left arm around the thigh on his shoulder and spread her more, moving his tongue faster. He shoved it in her a few times, even though in this position that wasn't easy, and then gave her a few more licks along her entire pussy before concentrating on her swollen clit, which he began to suck enthusiastically.

"Ohh, ohh, Ron, yes, YES! Like that! Suck on my clit like that! Mmmmh, feels wonderful, Ron! Don't stop! Keep going until I cum so hard I pass out!"

Ron, excited beyond measure by her body, her scent and her words, applied all the knowledge he had gathered since he had done this to her the first time and worked hard to give her the strongest orgasm possible, which, to be honest, didn't seem very difficult, needy as she was.

"Hermione, your cunt tastes amazing!" he declared while he made a pause before attacking her again.

"Don't talk, suck!" she ordered, using her hands to direct his mouth. "Suck my clit hard, Ron, I'm so fucking close!"

Ron sucked and sucked, using his tongue to lap at it, concentrating on her reactions to know when she got really close. And, when he felt she was about to fall over the edge, he stopped abruptly and began to kiss her inner thigh.

"RON, NO!" she yelled, trying to force his mouth back to her clit.

"Patience, love, you asked for the strongest —"

"Go back to my clit! NOW!" she yelled with impatience.

Ron, afraid of her ripping off his scalp, complied, but he just gave her slow laps, wanting to keep her on the edge, but without triggering her orgasm. When he felt she had calmed a bit (though she still was bucking her hips and letting out whimpers of frustration) he began to suck again. This time, he also plunged two fingers into her sopping pussy, fingerfucking her hard while he sucked.

"Oh, ooooh, RON, YES, YES, YES, LIKE THAT! LIKE THAT! Don't you dare stop now, I'm — I'm —"

"'Eah, 'oom 'foh mee," he moaned while still sucking.

And she did.

She gripped his locks even harder and bucked her hips wildly, fucking herself on his fingers and mouth as her desire exploded from her pussy, making her wail in pleasure.

"OOHH, ROOOON! OH, YES, YES, YES, I'M CUMMING! OHH, I'M CUMMING, RON! I'M CUMMING!"

Ron kept sucking, helping her along as she rode her pleasure (and his face) until, spent, her body sagged against the wall, her hands now caressing his head instead of forcing him.

Ron looked up, licking his lips, and watched proudly the blissful expression on her face while her breasts heaved with her ragged breathing.

"Feel better?" he asked smugly.

"Mmmh, yes …"

Ron made a gesture to move her leg away and get up, but he was stopped by Hermione holding him by his hair again.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked. He looked up and saw she had opened her eyes and was staring down with that look of bossiness she put every time he tried to postpone doing his homework, only this time it was full of lust as well.

"I was — I was —" he stammered, feeling rather unsure. "To fuck you?" he whispered at last, asking instead of affirming.

"No, you're going to do that again, Ron," she told him. "You're going to clean the mess you caused in my pussy, and then you're going to make me feel amazing once more."

"Fuck, you're really horny."

"Yes, I am. Now get back to work and satisfy me. Give me pleasure, Ron."

"Holy fuck!" he exclaimed, very aroused by her dominant demeanour. He looked again at her exposed pussy, still glistening with her juices and his saliva, and his mouth watered. Knowing she must still be quite sensitive, he started slowly, his tongue moving along her entire slit teasingly. Above him, Hermione moaned again, throwing her head against the wall. Keeping his left hand around her thigh, he moved the other to touch her ass, kneading it softly while he enjoyed her taste and scent.

"Yes, Ron, like that. Start slow, yes, ohhh, you know how to do it so well …"

Ron grunted, savouring her. "Your pussy is so tasty and juicy …"

"Suck it dry," she demanded, her voice hoarse with want.

He grinned against her curls and peppered her groin with kisses before shoving his tongue in her hole once more. He moved it around, savouring her slickness while he nuzzled his nose against her clit. Hermione started bucking her hips again, seeking more contact. Ron tongue-fucked her for a bit, his hand kneading her ass, and then moved back to her clit to suck on it. Hermione meowled in delight, and, knowing she was ready again, he devoted himself to the task of making her come once more. He put his fingers back in her hole and used their tips to rub that spot on her front wall that drove her insane while he sucked her.

Hermione's moans began to grow once more as he worked her pussy, and, at some point, he felt one of her hands leave his head. He looked up as he sucked and almost choked when he saw she was kneading her breasts, her hand working the firm mounds of flesh under her bra.

Spurred on by such display, he sucked harder, his tongue lapping at the swollen nub with fervour. Then, as she got closer and closer to another release, he took his fingers out of her hole and shoved his thumb instead, directing the middle finger to the entrance of her tight ass. He prodded it for a bit, and Hermione's moans became louder, so he pressed harder, burying it in that tight, clenching hole. He moved both fingers around in her pussy and asshole and then began to fuck her with them in sync with the sucking on her clit.

"Ooooh, Ron, yes, yes, yes! Oh, you're so good, so fucking good! Keep going, love, oh, I'm in heaven, Ron! In heaven! Don't stop until I cum! Don't you dare stop until I cum!"

Ron had no intention to tease her this time, as his cock was about to start a revolution if it didn't get much needed relief. The idea of having his dick again in her tight, hot pussy while he ate her out send Ron's mind into overdrive. Grunting, he sucked and sucked, his fingers moving faster. Hermione tightened her grip on his head and began to fuck his face once more, rubbing herself against him wantonly.

"Uungh, Ron, I can't believe we're doing this here, it's so — aaah! — so exciting!"

Sensing she was about to explode, Ron sucked as hard as he could, causing her to squeal, and then shoved his fingers as deep as he could in a single, hard thrust.

It was like magic.

"GODS, ROOON! Ohhh, ohhh, yesyesyesYES!" she chanted, bucking her hips so hard against him he had to shift a bit to get more leverage and avoid falling onto his back. Unaware of this, Hermione kept moaning, lost in her world of pleasure, until, sated, she slid down the wall and to the floor, her leg still on his shoulder.

Ron, knowing that couldn't be comfortable, lowered her leg carefully and then caressed her thighs, watching her with a grin.

"Good, Love?"

"Gods, Ron, that was amazing …"

"I can tell," he said, licking his lips to keep enjoying her unique taste.

"Give me a moment and we can continue," she said, and let out a sigh of pure contentment.

Ron nodded, though his cock was protesting vehemently. It wanted a tight, hot hole, and wanted it now. To distract himself, he moved a little and bent over her almost naked form, his left hand cupping her right tit over her bra. She let out a moan that Ron swallowed when he kissed her. Hermione moaned again and Ron groped her breast harder.

After a couple of minutes of heavy horizontal snogging, Hermione put her hand on Ron's chest and pushed him away. Ron sat on his calves as she got to her knees in front of him.

"Get up," she told him, her eyes gleaming.

A shiver of excitement ran down Ron's spine as he heard her and he complied, getting to his feet. Hermione gave him a playful, lusty smile and then moved her hands to his robes, starting to undo his buttons with desperation. Ron helped her, and when the robes were finally out of the way she quickly moved his trousers, unfastening them. She roughly yanked them down and then lowered his tented boxers as well, revealing his hard cock, his tip already leaking.

"Mmmh, Ron, so big and hard," she moaned sultrily, grasping him in her fist and moving it up and down. "Looks good enough to eat."

"Does it?" he asked, his voice husky. "Then why don't you — Fuck, Hermione!" he shouted when she engulfed him in her hot mouth and began to suck hungrily, causing waves of pleasure to overcome his body.

He buried his fingers into her curls, not caring about her hairdo, relishing how silky and good they felt as he enjoyed her ministrations. He looked down, enthralled by how sexy she looked as she sucked him again and again, one hand cupping his bollocks while the other grasped his ass. Fuck, Hermione Granger was sucking him off in her sexy lingerie in the fucking Ministry of Magic while their entire families were out there! If that didn't send his head spinning, he didn't know what would.

"Shit, Hermione, that feels so good … Fuck, you're so good …" he groaned. "Take me deeper, suck me harder!"

But instead of doing that, she stopped and gave his cock a long lick as she retreated, her hand taking over what her mouth had been doing.

"Why do you stop?" he asked, bucking his hips towards her pretty mouth.

She gave him a sultry look as the only response, and Ron felt another shiver run down his spine. She stroked his cock a couple of times and then got up, still with that seductive half-smile that could make his balls tighten. As he watched her, she stretched her hand towards her wand, which flew towards it. Then he gave it a flick and, at once, he felt a cold, strange sensation on his cock. Letting out a yelp, he looked down and saw that his shaft looked even shinier, covered by a slippery substance. When he raised his eyes again, she had put the wand back on the shelf and was turning round. And before he could ask, she grabbed the thin strips of her thong hugging her hips and, wiggling her bottom a bit, lowered then, letting then fall to the floor and stepping out of them.

"Fuck, Hermione," he moaned, his eyes focused on that perfect ass of hers.

"Ron," she whispered as she put her hands on the wall, sticking her ass out and making it look even better, if that was possible.

Ron, practically drooling at the sight of his girlfriend naked save for her bra and her heels, approached her, his torso pressing against her back. He nipped at her nape while his hands caressed her hips and waist, his dick touching the upper slope of her bum.

"What?" he asked with a whisper, his voice husky.

Hermione turned her head to look at him, and then blurted out, "Take me hard in the ass."

Holy fucking fuck!

"Just — just like that?" he asked, his heart beating faster.

She nodded with determination and want, and Ron's desire increased tenfold.

"Don't you want to?" she asked, wiggling her hips again so she was rubbing against his aching member. "I know how much you like to fuck me in the ass, Ron, so take it, It's yours."

And then she spread her legs a bit more and, using her left hand, pulled on her left cheek a bit. Ron retreated a couple of steps to watch her, and his cock almost jumped off his body when he caught sight of her puckered hole, already a bit loosened due to his finger. It looked so tight and inviting and he felt himself throb with a desire too strong to restrain.

"Fuck!" he exclaimed. His body moved almost on his own as he positioned the tip of his lubricated dick against her rosebud. He put his hands on her hips and she put her hand back on the wall for leverage, allowing her cheeks to surround his cockhead deliciously, and then she pushed back a bit, as if trying to fuck herself on his prick. Ron gripped her hips harder and pressed his face against her curls, his mouth getting closer to her ear.

"Tell me again," he whispered, his tone demanding.

She turned her face once more to look at him, her eyes spitting fire. "Take me hard in the ass, Ron. Fuck me deep."

Ron growled, and, looking down, he thrust. Hermione arched her back in response, and his cockhead broke into her incredibly snug sphincter, which immediately clutched it, flooding his body with pleasure.

Moaning in delight, he retreated and then thrust forwards again, the incredibly view of his dick going into her fantastic ass almost as good as the sensation of it being constricted by her muscles. Driven wild by his arousal, he began to fuck her, increasing his pace and his depth, until his hips and lower belly were hitting her cheeks every time, the slapping sound adding to the intense feeling.

"Unnngh, Rooon …" she moaned, pushing back against him, the muscles on her arms tensing as she applied force to counteract his thrusts. Ron grinned and rammed it into her harder, gripping her hips almost painfully to hold her.

"Tell me you like it," he growled as he continued fucking her. "Tell me you like having my cock in your tight ass, Hermione. Tell — me!" he ordered, slamming hard into her.

"Oh, fuck, yes, Ron! Ahhh, I love it! I love your cock in my ass! I feel so full my cunt's dripping!"

"Shit, yeah! Yeah, you love it! You'd like I had another to shove up your wet pussy, right?"

"That'd be amazing, Ron! My two holes full of your awesome cocks! Gods, don't stop! Don't stop fucking my ass!"

"I won't," he grunted, as he fucked her harder and faster. Now they were making so much noise he was sure people could heard them from the Atrium, hadn't them silenced the room. "I won't stop until I've cum in your wonderful asshole, gonna fill it up with so much spunk you'll be leaking for hours!"

"Gods, yes!"

Ron went even harder, and Hermione had to push harder against the wall to avoid being crushed against it. Ron felt wild, unleashed, fucking her ass in the fucking Ministry of Magic. His hands left her hips and moved up her sides until he was cupping her lovely tits, first over her bra, and then, after forcefully yanking both cups up, kneading her bare skin and rock-hard nipples.

"Umh, love these tits," he muttered, his breath uneven and deep against her ear. "I love squeezing them hard while my cock is ruining your ass! And what an ass you have, Hermione, fuck! You should watch how my cock goes in and out between those perfect, round ass cheeks!" he exclaimed, delighting himself with such a view.

"Yes, Ron, we should take photos of us while you fuck my ass, I really want to see it!" she shouted as she turned her head to look at it, shocking Ron.

Fuck, now that was an idea …

"You'd like that, wouldn't you, Ron?" she asked between pants. "Gods, I love watching your face while you fuck my ass, the expression of pleasure, the lust in your eyes … Oh, oh, Rooon …"

That was simply too much.

"Fuck, Hermione, gonna cum!" he declared, and then closed his eyes tightly for a moment and drove into her like mad, pounding her ass with all his might while he held her against him by her boobs. He felt all his desire and lust coil as tightly as possible in his navel while his cock swelled in her hole, and then, suddenly, it snapped, his ball sac contracted and he exploded powerfully. He buried himself as deep as possible in her ass as the first spurt flew from his cock, causing such pleasure he thought he would faint.

"Unnngh, fuck, Hermione! OH, OH, FUCK, CUMMING! AAH, CUMMIIING! Shit, ohohohohh, shits, feels so bloody good! Fuuuuck!" he yelled at the top of his lungs as his cock fired and fired, filling her ass to the brim with his pent-up load of cum.

"Gods, Ron!"

"Fuck, Hermione, fuck, fuckfuckfuck!" he chanted as he kept spurting, pushing as deep as he could to milk himself completely in her asshole.

Finally spent, and panting heavily, he rested his head on her right shoulder while she leaned hers against the wall, his cock still in her and sill rather hard despite the incredibly strong climax he had experienced.

"That was amazing, Ron …" she said after a minute, one of her heads reaching back to caress his hair and face.

Ron kissed her skin and pulled out of her, still feeling the tremors of his orgasm. It had been really, really strong, the strongest one since they had come back to Britain, for sure, but, instead of leaving him satisfied, it only made him want more.

"It was, but you didn't cum."

"Well, I came twice before and — Ron!" she yelled when, forcefully, he grabbed her and pushed her against one of the empty tables.

"Bend over the table for me," he ordered, his voice again full of desire.

A bit bewildered, she looked at him over her shoulder. Ron, with a dark, feral smile on his face, roamed over the expanse of her back and the her ass, which of course looked beyond amazing. He could already see his cum leaking off her. Which meant he would have to pump her full once more, then.

"Ron, what —?"

"I said, bend over!" he shouted, grasping his cock in his hand and stroking it to full hardness once more while he approached her slowly. "Do you think we're done? No, young lady, you're not leaving this storeroom until you have cum with my cock up in your tight asshole."

"Oh, gods!"

"Bend over and take off your bra completely, I want those tits bouncing while I fuck you again."

Hermione gave him one last look, and he could see the arousal and lust lurking behind them, which made him grin like a fool inwardly. Externally, however, he kept his demanding, dominant attitude.

And Hermione complied. It took her a moment, as if she had had to think about it, but then her hands moved to the clasp of her bra and unhooked it, letting it fall onto the table. Next, she bent over, lying down on her stomach and spread her legs, giving him the most perfect view of her ass and even her gaping asshole and dripping pussy. Ron liked his lips, his cock twitching with need and renewed want, and groaned at the arousing, sexy sight before him. He approached her and put both hands on her cheeks, kneading them with relish and lust.

"Fuck, you've got such a sexy ass, Hermione. So round and firm and fuckable," he stated, and then put his tip back at her entrance. "And I'm —" He gave a powerful thrust, burying himself to the hilt in her once more, "— gonna —" He retreated, "— pound it —" He thrust back in, causing her to moan loudly, "— 'till you cum on just the feeling of my cock spearing you!" he shouted and, excited, he lifted both his hands and smacked her ass hard as he began to really fuck her.

"Ohhh, Ron!"

"Unnngh, Hermione, I love this ass!" he yelled and spanked her again, relishing the feel of those plump buttocks against his hands. Then, needing more leverage, her grabbed her by the hips once more and started to fuck her really hard, making the table move with each thrust.

"Oh, oh, oh, gods, Ron, gods … You're — Oh, gods, ohhhh fuck …"

He grinned madly, feeling amazing fucking her like this. "Your hole is so fucking tight around my cock, Hermione! Shit, I love your ass! And you love me fucking it, don't you?" he asked, slamming hard into her.

"Uunngh, ooh …"

"Answer me!" he demanded, spanking her again. "Tell me you love my cock deep in your ass!"

"Oh, gods, yes, yes, I do! I do!" she moaned among pants, her fingers grasping the side of the table for support as he continued pounding her with all his might.

"Fuck, yeah, you do! You love this, don't you? Hermione Granger, future Minister for Magic, loves being fucked hard in the ass in a storeroom in the Ministry with all the Heads of Department barely a hundred yards away!"

"Gods, Ron!" she cried, arching her back.

"What would they say, Hermione, if they could see you like this, a hard cock up your ass while you beg for it!"

Hermione moaned again, muttering unintelligible words. Ron revelled in seeing her in this state and went harder, the pleasure radiating from his cock almost overwhelming. He was going to cum again soon, her ass felt so good an tight, and the way he was slamming onto those reddened cheeks …

"Fuck, I'm getting close! You'd better cum soon, 'cause if I cum before you I'll have to drill your asshole again and pump another load of spunk into you!"

"Ron, gods, Ron, I'm close as well, I'm — oh, fuck, ohhh fuck, Rooon!"

"Shit, you're so fucking sexy," he said, his hands moving over her back and sides as he kept fucking her. "I love having you like this, I love fucking you like this, my Naughty Hermione, who's about to cum being fucked in the heart of the Ministry!"

Hermione let out a wail of pleasure and he saw her try to move her hand under her, presumably to touch herself, but he grabbed it and stopped her.

"No, you're gonna cum just from my cock fucking you!" he stated, and then bent a bit over her, cupped her tits hard and pounded into her even harder. "Cum for me! Cum — for — ME!"

"Oh, gods, Ron, yes, I'm — Oh, oh, ohhh, I'm cumming, Ron, I'm cumming, cumming cummiiiiiing!"

"Yes, cum hard, milk my cock with your clenching ass! Fuck, you feel so good, Hermione, gonna cum too! Unnngh, fuck, fuck, fuuuuuuuck!" he yelled, giving her a series of really quick and deep thrusts until, completely buried in her heavenly asshole, he exploded for the second time, his entire body on fire with the incredible pleasure. He shot and shot and shot as if he hadn't cum at all ten minutes before, and made sure to pour every drop into the depths of her deliciously tight ass while she rode her own orgasm.

Finally, sated and completely worn out, their bodies surrendered. Hermione's sagged on top of the table while Ron rested on her back, enjoying the feel of her sweaty skin on her ragged breathing.

"Shit, that was fucking incredible," he said after a couple of minutes.

"Yes …" she managed to say, her voice low and weak. "You're such an animal, Ron …"

Ron, concerned, moved away, causing his cock to slip out of her ass. He lay next to her on the table and caressed her back. "Shit, did I hurt you? I was too rough, right? I shouldn't have spanked you like that, I —"

"Ron, I'm fine," she quickly said, interrupting his rant. "If you had hurt me I'd have told you."

"Really?" he asked.

"Really," she assured, smiling at him. "I loved every minute of it, Love."

"Good," he said, relieved, and grinned at her. "So did I."

They both got up and she leaned in for a kiss before she moved to get her wand. Ron watched her nude form, licking his lips absentmindedly. She cast a Cleaning Charm on them and he kissed her again.

"You called me Naughty Hermione," she commented, using her want to gather her clothes.

"Yeah."

"It's been a long time since the last time you called me that."

"I know. I suppose you were extra naughty today, abducting me for a hot fuck."

The wild sex must have diminished the effects of the alcohol, as she blushed. "I just —"

"I loved it," Ron assured. "This was one of the hottest fucks we've ever had. I mean, half the Ministry is out there, with our parents and —"

"Oh, gods, our parents, Ron!" she exclaimed, mortified. "What time is it? For how long have we been here!?"

"Er — dunno. About half an hour or so. A bit less, I think."

"What are we going to say?" she asked as she put on her dress robes. "What about my hair? And my face? Gods, Ron, everyone will know what we did when they see us!"

Ron didn't know what to say. He would have liked to tell her not to worry, but the truth was that her hairdo was completely undone and her makeup ruined.

"Well, calm down," she told herself. "I'll use Glamour Charms and it'll be fine."

"Will it?" he asked.

Hermione, ignoring him, Conjured a mirror and then used her wand to apply several charms to her face and hair. In barely five minutes she looked like before.

"Do I look okay?" she asked him.

"Okay, you say? Hermione, that's amazing! Why didn't you do it before instead of spending hours?"

"Well, I did it for Mum. She wanted to do our hair together and apply makeup and all that, and I didn't want to ruin that for her."

"You're amazing," he said, smiling, and then offered her his hand. "Shall we go back, then?"

She nodded, and then opened the door. They walked back across the canteen, hand in hand, yet, as they approached the Atrium, he could tell she was feeling more and more nervous.

"Do I really look good?" she asked him in a whisper. "Will they know what we did? Oh, Merlin, Ron, I don't know what I was thinking —"

"Hermione, we'll be fine," he assured, though he had his own doubts. "Half of the people at the party are drunk as well, they won't notice anything."

"Good, because it was amazing, and I wouldn't want to regret it."

He laughed as they joined the other attendants. Those near the entrance of the canteen paid them no attention at all, caught in their own conversations, which calmed Hermione down a little, until they found Harry and Ginny, who were talking as they drank what looked like pumpkin juice.

"Where did you go to?" Harry asked when he saw them approach.

"Er — I took Hermione for a little walk, she needed it and it was too hot here among all the people," Ron lied, and Hermione nodded.

Harry and Ginny shared a quick, brief look that clearly indicated they hadn't believed one word of what he had said.

"A walk, sure," Ginny said, shaking her head.

"Can't you two control yourselves?" asked Harry, an amused grin on his face.

"We just —" tried to insist Ron, though his ears were pink and Hermione was blushing.

"Save it, prat," interrupted Ginny. "And it isn't as if we want to know, anyway. But well, I suppose love is in the air for everyone …"

"What do you mean?" asked Hermione, eager to direct the attention away from her and Ron.

Ginny nodded towards the stage, and when Ron followed her gaze, he saw Seamus and Lavender, deeply entwined in a fierce snog, one of his hands freely roaming over her ass. Fortunately for them, most of the people was really drunk and no one was paying them any attention.

"Well, it seems he'll know first-hand how they feel, then," pointed Ron with a smirk.

"Ron!" exclaimed Hermione, while Harry let out a laugh.

"What do you mean?" asked Ginny, curious.

"Nothing," Harry and Ron answered at the same time.

Ginny's eyes shifted from one to the other a couple of times, and then shook her head. "Well, if you're not gonna tell me, then take me to dance, Harry Potter!"

"As you say," he responded, grinning at her, and they joined the rest of the dancers.

"Wanna dance more?" Ron asked Hermione once they were alone.

She grinned at him. "Yes."

The Weird Sisters were now playing another slow song, and Ron felt grateful for it as he took Hermione in his arms and they started to move, their gazes locked.

"That was rather crude, you know, what you said about Seamus and Lavender …"

Ron couldn't help but laugh. "Says the girl who half an hour ago asked me to 'take her hard in the ass.'"

She had the dignity to blush.

"Well, I bet you don't regret it?"

"Oh, Love, quite the contrary. I feel rather happy about it. And —" he added, leaning so he could whisper against her ear, "so does my cock."

"Horny idiot," she replied.

"For you."

"For me."

They shared a slow, loving kiss, and then kept dancing for a couple of songs. When the band started playing a faster one, they decided to stop and have a drink, as both felt quite thirsty. They were enjoying the cold, delicious pumpkin juice when Hermione's parents appeared, followed by Ron's. All of them looking a bit too cheerful, except for Ron's dad, who looked happy but normal. After all, he was in duty.

"Ron, Hermione!" Jane exclaimed as if she hadn't seen them in weeks. "This party is amazing, we hadn't had this much fun in ages!" she yelled, her voice slurring a little.

"I'm glad, Mum," Hermione responded, amused at her mother's state.

"What about you? Did you have fun as well?" asked her father, who was grinning from ear to ear. "You were rather wary of this event."

She shared a look with Ron. "It turned out way better than I had expected," she said, smiling.

"Yeah," he nodded, his eyes on hers. "Way, way better."

---

Well, I hope you liked that little rendezvous at the Ministry as much as I enjoyed writing it.

As I said in the start notes, I struggled with this chapter a lot. The motivation for it was, as its title tells, to give closure to the war. I felt this award ceremony was too important not to write it. And well, the driving scene for the chapter was the moment in which Hermione tells Ron 'take me hard in the ass.' So I had to reconcile the sex scene with the ceremony. And well, the problem in this kind of chapters, for me, is the large amount of known people present. If I hadn't put some restrain on my imagination, this chapter could reach forty thousand words.

But well, now it's finally done, and the next chapter will have a much lighter tone, as I think Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny deserve some relax.

By the way, I'm also working on various other fics, some one-shots, some multi-chaptered, and I think I'll be posting them in the next weeks, after the next chapter of this story.

Meanwhile, if you like this — What are you doing that you're not writing your own Romione smut story!?